A series of disturbances in the upper atmosphere should bring periodic rain showers to Houston on Friday and Saturday.

According to forecasters with the Houston/Galveston office of the National Weather Service, isolated severe storms with hail and damaging winds are possible. But the main threat is localized, heavy rainfall if the storm systems should stall.

The rain - with accumulations of 1 to 3 inches forecast across widespread sections of the Houston metro area - would not be unwelcome.

Despite the very heavy showers two weeks ago that hit some areas of Houston, the region remains in a drought.

The latest report from the U.S. Drought Monitor, released Thursday, showed 92 percent of Texas in a "moderate" or worse drought, including all but southeastern Harris County. The northern tier of Harris and southern half of Montgomery counties are in a severe drought.

The rains should come to an end on Mother's Day, as a cool front moves through. In its wake, temperatures should fall off early next week, with highs in the low 80s and lows near 60.